THE RISE OF THE AFRICAN STYLE OF FASHION

I just love the African style of fashion. They come in nice prints and patterns. There are bold designs and catchy color combinations for those with adventurous fashion sense. There are also the traditional and subdued hues for a moderate and tamed fashion style. This is made more special by the fabrics that they use which are distinctly African – there is the Ankara fabric, Gele, Dashiki, Kente, Kitenge, and Aso Oke fabrics. African clothes that have found their way in mainstream fashion are mostly handmade by African women. These women have high regard for their craft. They studied how to make traditional dresses and have also updated themselves with current fashion trends to keep up with the times. They utilize their customary sewing machines as well as innovative textile processes that use precision resistors for calibration. They believe that their traditions and roots afre essential as they make their way forward in this fashion industry. They can combine the traditional with the modern designs and the result are amazing fashion pieces that will truly captivate your eyes.

The African style of fashion has brought us the boubou and kaftan. These are beautiful wraparound dresses that come in different prints. African fabric has also been used to create skirts, jackets, tops, shorts, headwraps, bags, and other accessories. They are available for women, men, unisex, children, and plus size clothing. They can be worn for casual, business, or formal occasions. There is definitely a fab African outfit for every season and event.

The most important reason why I support the African style of fashion is that it is a celebration of their freedom. History tells us of how slaves from Africa were imported and traded in America. During that time, the growing plantation industry of tobacco and rice depended on slave labor. Slavery was entrenched in society as well as racism, or the divide between blacks as slaves, and whites as free people. American history taught us how slavery, racism, and class division became a part of our society. But now, we have an opportunity to redeem ourselves by supporting African endeavors as they rise and claim their rightful place in this world. Slowly albeit surely, they are carving their niche in the fashion industry. Their unique fabrics and designs have Africa written all over it. They are proud of their craft and they want to share it with the rest of the world. Each time you wear an African dress, know what it stands for. It is the fashion for a worthy cause. It represents equality, freedom, and celebration of cultural diversity. You may not be from Africa but you wear their product proudly because you believe in their craft, you believe in their hard work, you believe in their dedication to show the best of Africa through the clothes that they make. From Africa to the rest of the world – that is how fashion transcends social issues such as racism and class division. We support the rise of African fashion and we support the rise of Africa.